Hugh Jackman’s Fifth Sign Of Skin Cancer

Earlier this year Hugh Jackman announced that he removed his sixth sign of basal cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer that develops on the surface of the skin after consistent, prolonged, and unprotected sun exposure.

Hugh Jackman has been vocal about his experience with skin cancer, and posted a picture during his recovery with the caption, “Another basal cell carcinoma. Thanks to frequent body checks and amazing doctors, all is well. Looks worse with the dressing on than off. I swear! #wearsunscreen.”

Jackman shares that throughout his life he did not think much of his sunburns and of sun safety in general. However, now Jackman gets regular check ups and encourages others to do the same, “I’m realistic about the future and it’s more than likely that I’ll have at least one more but probably many more, which is not uncommon for an Aussie particularly from English stock growing up in Australia where I don’t remember ever being told to put sunscreen on.”

Here’s the evolution of Jackman’s dangerous lesions:

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, and while it can be harmless in its initial states, it is better to get it removed as soon as possible. In terms of symptoms, it tends to form on the epidermis in forms of open sores and reddish/pink shiny bumps or scars.

Treatment includes radiotherapy, anti-cancer creams, and freezing. The most effective and common treatment, however, is surgical removal of the tumor and the skin around it, which is how Jackman treated all his cases of BCC.

First Derm encourages everyone to apply sunscreen regularly and practice sun safety to prevent skin cancer. Download our app today and #SpotCancer before it spots you!

Image source:

Daily Mail
Skinema